Editorial: Bud pinches can and brew

The best news about the new Budweiser bow-tie can is that it is made in New Windsor, where the 16-step process — 10 to form the bottom alone — will keep local workers busy.

The best news about the new Budweiser bow-tie can is that it is made in New Windsor, where the 16-step process — 10 to form the bottom alone — will keep local workers busy.

Bud is hoping that the new shape and the new eight-pack will help reverse the 2.3 percent drop in sales during the last quarter.

"This can is certainly a conversation starter: eye-catching, easy to grip, trendy and — according to our research — very appealing to young adults," Pat McGauley, the company's vice president for innovation, said in a press release.

Not all of the news was positive, however. Some stories referred to the shape as "pre-crushed," an attribute with an uncertain target market. Many stories contained two other pieces of news that Bud will have to hope do not get much attention.

The can contains twice as much aluminum as the standard one and costs the company more. Even more crucial to consumers, it holds less beer — 11.3 ounces as opposed to 12 in the regular can.

Now, it all depends on the pricing. If the new eight-pack with 90.4 ounces costs more than 1.2555 times the old six-pack with 72, not counting the extra 10 cents in deposits which responsibly drinking recyclers will get back, it will be no bargain.

Bud is taking no chances. It will keep producing the standard version until it sees how the new one sells. Think of it as a New Coke insurance policy.